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List Price: $12.98 | | Label: Turner Home Ent
Salesrank: 20915
Released: May 22, 2007 |
| Our Price: $6.54 |
| Used Price: $5.94 |
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MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
Woman-hating cowboy becomes foreman of ranch run by pretty woman and her spinster aunt who have inherited the ranch.
Description of Tall in the Saddle:
In this convoluted Western mystery, "tall in the saddle" is more of a genealogical clue than an accurate index of the hero's behavior. John Wayne has come to town, so he says, to work for a local rancher--who was murdered shortly after sending for him. Prime villain would appear to be Ward Bond, exuding oiliness as the local judge, who doesn't seem to be a real judge. Paul Fix (who cowrote the screenplay) and Harry Woods supply the thuggery. But mostly it's women that Wayne has trouble with: the dead man's genteel niece (Audrey Long) and her virago of a duenna (Elisabeth Risdon), and especially Ella Raines, who dresses like a man (well, a very pretty boy), runs the neighboring ranch, and falls into instant love-hate with Wayne. (This was Raines's glory period--within a few months in 1943-44 she was breathtakingly lovely in Corvette K-225, Hail the Conquering Hero, and Phantom Lady--but alas, here she's mostly just shrill.)
As run-of-the-mill Wayne Westerns go, this RKO picture is a bit upscale from the fare at Republic, if also less robust. Edwin L. Marin's direction is undistinguished, but the RKO craftsmanship is handsome as usual, and it must have been nice to work from a coherent screenplay for a change. Gabby Hayes is around to discuss sexual politics with Duke. For some reason the veteran character actor Frank Puglia goes uncredited as Raines's enigmatic servant, who seems to have wandered in from a Val Lewton production. --Richard T. Jameson
Tall in the Saddle Reviews:
One of the Best John Wayne Westerns Ever 
2008-03-29 - If you are a John Wayne fan, "Tall In The Saddle" is a must for your collection. You will love the convenience of DVD.
Tall in the Saddle
2008-03-01 - Well what can i say about this one i used to have this one on video years ago and it is a fantastic flim. i think it is one of John waynes very best flim i try to get it here for a while now and i couldn't untill i found it on here at Amazon
Fun Movie 
2007-07-23 - I'm not a connoisseur of Westerns, but I've seen quite a few, including the artful and hallowed ones, such as Broken Arrow, The Searchers, High Noon, Shane, etc. Tall in the Saddle is light fare, with a lot of snappy banter and winks at the audience. My dad (in his 90s) was watching this and I sat down for a few minutes but watched it to the end. A good flick's a good flick!
not a "B" western
2007-05-27 - One of my favorite westerns. I own a copy. The plot is complex enough to be worthy of Cecil DeMille, though directed by Edwin Marin. Some have categorized this as a glorified "B" western, but I see nothing "B" about the cast of main characters nor the story line. Of course, we soon figure out that Wayne and Ella Raines' character were made for each other, but the "right" woman doesn't quite always end up with the hero, as for example in "The Far Country". We are kept in suspense through most of the film as to who killed Red Cardell and why, and who has been trying to ambush Wayne and why. We also wonder what Wayne's real motive is for sticking around after discovering that Red Cardell, whom he presumably never met, is deceased. It's always a treat to have Gabby Hayes back in a Wayne western. Ward Bond, another fixture in Wayne movies of the 1940s and 1950s, does well as a prime suspect for being responsible for the plot shenanigans and in piecing things together at the end. Audrey Long is perfect as the prim naive beauty from the East, as is Elizabeth Risdon, as her scheming arrogant old battle-ax of an aunt. Wouldn't the latter and Gabby make a lovely couple! Ella's character may have been a more exciting lover and companion than Audrey's; but, if I were Wayne, I'd be extremely careful about getting into a relationship with such a hot-headed jealous tomboy who thinks nothing of using me for target practice with her pistol and knife! There are a few seemingly incongruous details to the plot. Why does Ella's bodyguard hold off telling who killed Ella's brother? Does he want Wayne to take the blame? Jealous? Maybe he doesn't think anyone would believe him or doesn't believe the legal system will do justice. Or, perhaps he did tell the real reason to Ella. As is true of westerns in general, vigilante justice seems to be condoned by the main characters as the most just and efficient way to rid societies of evil people or those who have done you personally wrong....As a side note, this film should not be confused with the later Clark Gable western with the somewhat similar title "The Tall Men"
What a great surprise
2007-04-27 - I was expecting this early Wayne film to be one of those "cliched and routine" stock westerns, so imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered a well written and well performed, solid and unique little western/mystery. Wayne is great in his role and many of his "iconic" mannerisms are evident in this performance.
Co-star Ella Raines is not only very lovely, but she's very convincing as a "tough as nails" cowgirl. She and Wayne have great chemistry together.
The story in this film is airtight and very believable and was truly well written. There are many snappy and memorable bits of dialog delivered with perfection.
Gabby Hayes and Ward Bond once again demonstrate why they became such popular, co-starring character actors. Both of them really shine in their roles and make this film such an enjoyable experience. A special nod to actress Elisabeth Risdon for playing the bitter, conniving old crone so well, and to Audrey Long for making her "sweet and gentle" character memorable instead of boring. (not an easy task)
If you are looking for a fast paced, action packed western with a great story, then definitely check out "Tall in the Saddle." I now know this is one of the best from it's era, and highly recommend seeing it.
